Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Senior 2025 Fundraisers at the West Senior Center (formerly Tsali Manor). Info: Annette Craig (828) 226-6703
- March 21. Bingo
- April 14. Basket Raffle
- May 25-31. Silent Auction
Yabba Dabba Do! Bowl for Kids’ Sake. March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Galaxy Lanes in Sylva, N.C. This annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Graham Counties benefits kids who could use a mentor. Teams of 4-5 bowlers enjoy two hours of bowling. Team members are asked to raise or donate at least $50, all of which goes directly to programs. Register/learn more at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bfks2025/
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Immersive Conversational Cherokee Language with David Jumper. Biweekly for six weeks from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, N.C. on the following dates: March 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, and April 2, 7, and 9. Led by educator David Jumper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this is an intensive (rather than excelled or advanced level) class offered free of charge. Participants will use language as much as possible during class through call and response, partner and group work, and questions and answers. Topics will include everyday activities that apply to everyone, such as going places, working, etc. A general outline for class will be provided. Students will have the opportunity to hear and practicing speaking the language. All ages and “levels” of learners are welcome. Info: Museum of the Cherokee People (828) 497-3481
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Tribal Council. March 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Lands Acquisition Committee. March 10 at 1 p.m.
HIP Committee. March 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Lands Committee. March 13 at 9 a.m.
Parks & Rec Committee. March 13 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. March 17 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. March 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. March 17 at 1 p.m.
TERO Work Session. March 18 at 9 a.m.
Health Board. March 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Enrollment Committee. March 19 at 1 p.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. March 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Constitution Committee. March 20 at 5:30 p.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
St. Patrick’s Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament. March 16 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Must be 18-years-old or older. 8-person roster, must be two males on the court at all times. Looking for the first six teams. Sign-ups start at 12 p.m., games start at 12:45 p.m.
3-v-3 Co-Ed Easter Basketball Tournament. April 6 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Sign-ups start at 12 p.m., games start at 12:30 p.m. 5-person roster. Entry fee per team is $20. Ages 14-16.
Snowbird From Darkness Into Hope event. May 1 at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Little Snowbird Field on 1897 Snowbird Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. This is a mental health and well-being event focusing on suicide prevention. Vendors needed. Info: (828) 359-1529, radocrow@ebci-nsn.gov
Breakaway Sports Cherokee Sports Camp (Baseball 5, Kickball, and Ultimate Frisbee). June 9-11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donald “Kool-Aid” Queen Gym in Cherokee, N.C. In partnership with Cherokee Baptist Church, daily Bible devotions and snacks are included. Info: Call or text (423) 933-6986
POW WOW LISTINGS
Spirit of Nations Pow Wow. March 29 at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, Tenn. Info: www.indiancreekproductions.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Upcoming events at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, Tenn. Info: (865) 448-0044
* Storytelling on Sundays. March 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Smoky Mtn. Fiber Fair. April 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Storytelling on Sundays. April 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Kids Take Over the Museum Day. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Sunset Series Concert: Acoustic Eidolon. May 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Storytelling on Sundays. May 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Legends Concert: Smooth Sailor. May 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Swain County Genealogical and Historical Association meeting. March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. Don Casada will present “Deep Creek Part II: A Virtual Tour”. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.
Pine Needle Basket Class. March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. The cost of the class is $30 per person and materials are included. Space is limited to 10 people. Tonya Dockery, a life-long resident of Tellico Plains, Tenn., is the instructor. Call to register (423) 884-6246
Tim Early and Max Hipp readings. March 8 at 3 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore at 3 E. Jackson St. in Sylva, N.C. Earley will read from this new book, “Rattle-Rib”, and Hipp will read from his latest story collection, “What Doesn’t Kill You Opens Your Heart”.
Swain County Democratic Party hybrid in-person/remote meeting. March 10 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. and via Zoom. They will be discussing community events and planning future activities. All are welcome. Info: (828) 341-6348, email to SwainCountyDems@gmail.com, or visit: http://swaincountydems.com
Donald Clark will share his photography book, “Nature’s Writers: Mentored by the Land”. March 14 at 6 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore at 3 E Jackson St. in Sylva, N.C. A photographic celebration of the landscapes that have influenced some of America’s most important nature writers—from John Muir to Terry Tempest Williams to Barbara Kingsolver.
Beaded Rope Bracelet Class. March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. The cost of the class is $35 per person and materials are included. Space is limited to eight per class. Tonya Dockery, a life-long resident of Tellico Plains, Tenn., is the instructor. Call to register: (423) 884-6246
Janet McCue and Paul Bonesteel will share “George Masa: A Life Reimagined”. March 15 at 3 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore at 3 E Jackson St. in Sylva, N.C. From a Cornell University librarian and a documentary filmmaker comes the first comprehensive biography of the visionary Japanese photographer who never became a US citizen yet was lauded 80 years after his death by President Barack Obama for reminding us “what citizenship is all about.”
Archaeology Day. April 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. See tools of an archaeologist, artifacts from the Vann’s era, participate in a “digging” activity, and enjoy other archaeology-themed activities. No archaeological digging on this day. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
Biscuit Basket Class. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. The cost of the class is $55/person with materials included. Bring your lunch. Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will teach the class. Space is limited. Call (423) 884-6246 to register and pay for the class.
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov